Laura Chesner Staff Writer laura@robconews.com In 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a result, child abuse awareness activities are promoted across the country during April of each year. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect coordinates Child Abuse Prevention Month activities at the Federal level, providing information and releasing updated national statistics about child abuse and neglect. Many governors also issue proclamations to encourage initiatives and events in their States. In 1989, the Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse began as a Virginia grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse. The Blue Ribbon Campaign has since expanded across the country. Scotty’s House, the Robertson County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS), the Bremond Police Department, Calvert Police Department, the Hearne Police Department, the Franklin Police Department and the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office came to the Robertson County Courthouse in Franklin for the dedication of the Blue Ribbon Tree. Despite the rainy conditions, those assembled chose to tie their ribbons to the courthouse railing. Sixty-eight blue ribbons were tied in honor of the 68 confirmed child victims of abuse and neglect in Robertson County in 2012. The Robertson County Commissioners made an official proclamation urging all citizens to work together top help reduce child abuse and neglect significantly in years to come. Also, the City of Hearne recently donated $10,000.00 to the Robertson County CPS Board from their portion of vehicle registration monies.